Rob Philyaw Truly Cares For Our Youth

Saturday, August 2, 2014

For 27 years I have worked with at-risk adolescents in a variety of settings. For the last 15 years I have served as the regional director of the YMCA’s YCAP program that intervenes in the lives of young people who are struggling academically and behaviorally. My wife Paula and I have raised 19 foster children. A great deal of my time every day is spent in the Hamilton County Juvenile Courts.

The older I get the more I realize the brevity of this life. The reality is this isn’t home for any of us, we are all just passing through. For that simple reason it is vitality important that all of us do all we can in our own lifetime to impact the lives of other people. One of the ways we can impact others is to make sure we elect the right people to serve us as elected servants.

Rob Philyaw was appointed by our Hamilton County Commissioners to finish the unexpired term of our former Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge. Now Judge Philyaw is seeking to be elected by the citizens of Hamilton County to a full term as Juvenile Court Judge. I will vote for, and encourage everyone to vote for Rob Philyaw for Juvenile Court Judge.

Judge Philyaw is a man of integrity and understands the complex problems than many young people face today. More importantly, Rob Philyaw is a man that loves young people, especially those who are struggling or making bad choices. Over the years in the middle of raising his own children, Rob Philyaw has been involved in the lives of many youngsters mentoring them, encouraging them, holding them accountable and just loving on them. He continues to do that today even though he is currently serving as our judge, he continues to be involved in making a difference in children and families lives away from the bench.

Given my own experience and work with so many kids over the years, I can speak with authority; “ Impact the lives of others, Vote for Rob Philyaw, Juvenile Court Judge.”

I am an American by birth and a Chattanoogan by the Grace of God. (A phrase I borrowed from the late Lewis Grizzard and modified) I grew up in Chattanooga / East Ridge – Anna B. Lacey Elementary, Dalewood Junior High, Brainerd High, degree UTC. My family lived in Chattanooga until March of this year but I’m still up every month visiting friends. I have been following ... (click for more)

If local and state politicians are truly interested in improving the lives of the poor they should take a look at the recent study by Steven Horwitz of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Breaking Down the Barriers: Three Ways State and Local Governments Can Improve the Lives of the Poor. The study takes a look at the regressive effects of occupational ... (click for more)

Michael Futrell, 38, was shot by Corey Mullinax, 25, Saturday night in Cleveland at approximately 9:15 p.m. T he shooting occurred at Forest Grove Apartments at 2350 Blackburn Road SE. According to multiple witness statements, the victim, Mr. Futrell, walked over to the vehicle of Mullinax, where the two were speaking. The suspect then shot the victim in the torso. ... (click for more)

Javier Lansden, 18, was shot early Sunday morning on West 38th Street. At approximately 2:47 a.m., the Chattanooga Police Department responded to 264 Water Street for a person shot. Officers found that the shooting occurred at 263 West 38 th Street. The victim stated he was sitting on his bicycle at 263 West 38 th Street, when a dark-colored ... (click for more)

The Chattanooga Football Club didn't score until the 69th minute but after Chris Ochieng's first goal, they would score two more to earn a 3-0 win over visiting Indiana Fire. The NPSL national semifinal win, before more than 9,200 fans, gives Chattanooga another shot at a national championship after losing to the New York Red Bulls U23 team in the 2014 final. ... (click for more)